Throne Speech Announced for September 12, 2016

News Release

Throne Speech Announced for September 12, 2016

All Government Bills to be Reintroduced This Fall

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne announced today that the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, accepted the Premier's advice to prorogue the legislature as of 12 p.m. today. The Lieutenant Governor will deliver a Speech from the Throne outlining the government's plans for the new session when the legislature convenes on September 12, 2016.

Premier Wynne said the government will reintroduce, this fall, all government bills that were before the legislature prior to prorogation, so that debate on them can continue.

This includes election finance reform legislation, which the government intends to reintroduce on September 13, 2016 with all the amendments agreed to at the committee stage prior to the prorogation of the legislature. The government also intends to move amendments during the committee stage of the bill to prohibit MPPs in all parties from attending fundraising events.

No sitting days will be lost due to prorogation, as the legislature is convening for the 2nd session on September 12, 2016, which is consistent with the parliamentary calendar established in the 1st session.

The Throne Speech will provide an update on and outline next steps in the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quick Facts

The 1st session of Ontario’s 41st parliament, which ended today, began on July 2, 2014 with the election of the Speaker. The Throne Speech for the 1st session was delivered on July 3, 2014.

There have been 185 sitting days in the legislature since the session began in July 2014. This is the third-longest session in the past 20 years.

During the session, 48 government and 18 private members’ bills were passed.

Background Information

Additional Resources

Quotes

“At the halfway point of our mandate, a Throne Speech is an opportunity to provide an update on what we have achieved over the past two years, and to lay out the next steps in our balanced economic plan to build Ontario up and help people in their everyday lives. I’m looking forward to another productive legislative session that helps deliver on my number-one priority — economic growth that creates good jobs.”